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(707) 422-1202
SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(707) 422-1202
Speak To Attorney Now
(707) 422-1202 SPEAK TO ATTORNEY NOW(707) 422-1202
Filing a personal injury claim is already a complex legal process, but when the responsible party is the State of California, additional challenges arise. Unlike typical personal injury lawsuits, where a negligent individual or company is held accountable, claims against government entities are governed by a separate set of laws. The California Tort Claims Act (CTCA) establishes the procedures and restrictions for seeking compensation from the state, making it crucial for injured individuals to follow strict deadlines and legal requirements.
When an injury occurs due to government negligence, whether it’s a slip and fall on public property, a car accident involving a state-owned vehicle, or hazardous road conditions, pursuing compensation requires navigating a highly technical claims process. Government agencies have certain legal immunities that limit liability in some cases, making it essential to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to maximize the chances of success.
At The Choyce Law Firm, we understand the complexities of filing a claim against a government entity. Our Sacramento personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping victims hold negligent public entities accountable while ensuring that every legal step is properly followed.
Standard personal injury claims allow individuals to file lawsuits against private parties when negligence results in injuries. However, when a state agency, department, or employee is involved, the process changes significantly. The California Tort Claims Act requires injured parties to file an administrative claim before pursuing a lawsuit, and failure to do so within the strict six-month deadline can result in forfeiting the right to compensation.
Additionally, government agencies have legal defenses that private individuals do not. The concept of sovereign immunity—which traditionally protected government entities from being sued—has been partially waived under California law, but it still limits the types of claims that can proceed.
Here’s how claims against the state differ from standard personal injury cases:
Given these challenges, working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in successfully navigating claims against the government.
Many different types of government-related injuries may qualify for compensation under the California Tort Claims Act. Some of the most common personal injury cases involving state liability include:
Public buildings, parks, and sidewalks must be properly maintained to prevent hazards. When dangerous conditions—such as uneven pavement, broken stairs, or wet floors—cause injuries, the government entity responsible for maintenance may be held liable.
State employees driving government vehicles for official business must follow the same traffic laws as everyone else. When a government driver causes an accident due to negligence, the injured victim may file a claim against the state agency employing the driver.
If a pedestrian is injured due to malfunctioning traffic signals, poorly designed crosswalks, or lack of proper signage, the responsible public entity may be liable.
Poorly maintained roads, missing guardrails, or lack of warning signs can contribute to severe accidents. If an injury occurs due to negligent road maintenance by a government agency, victims may have the right to file a claim.
State employees, including law enforcement officers, maintenance crews, and administrative staff, must uphold reasonable safety standards. If an employee’s actions directly cause harm, the state may be held responsible.
Understanding which cases qualify for government liability for injuries requires a thorough legal review. At The Choyce Law Firm, we investigate each case carefully to determine whether an injured victim has grounds for a claim against the state.
Because claims against the government are subject to strict deadlines, procedural requirements, and immunity laws, successfully recovering compensation is more difficult than in standard personal injury cases. Even if a victim has a legitimate claim, failing to meet the required deadlines or making errors in the filing process can lead to an automatic dismissal.
Additionally, state agencies aggressively defend against personal injury claims, often attempting to minimize liability or shift blame onto the victim. Without legal representation, claimants may struggle to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At The Choyce Law Firm, we handle every aspect of government negligence lawsuits, from filing the initial claim to negotiating settlements or taking cases to court when necessary. With years of experience representing injured victims in Sacramento personal injury cases, we fight to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit against a government agency in California is complex, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At The Choyce Law Firm, we specialize in handling government liability cases and understand how to navigate the legal challenges involved.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to government negligence, it’s critical to act quickly. The six-month deadline to file a claim means that delaying legal action could jeopardize your case. Contact our Sacramento personal injury attorneys today to discuss your legal options and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
Call The Choyce Law Firm now at (916) 306-0636 for a free consultation.
If you have been injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another, regardless of the nature of the underlying accident, it is important to contact experienced Sacramento auto accident attorney at The Choyce Law Firm to discuss your legal options. We have offices in Sacramento & Fairfield, CA for your convenience and have the resources and expertise to aggressively litigate your case in court, fighting to get you just compensation for your injury.
Call (916) 306-0636 today for a free consultation with our car accident lawyer in Sacramento regarding your injury case.
The Choyce Law Firm
1438 Del Paso Blvd
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 306-0636